Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today, we focus our attention on hotelier André Balazs, whose summertime retreat, Sunset Island, is calling to the jetset seeking a calm haven amidst the bustling Hamptons.
André Balazs
Category: Originators
Company: André Balazs Properties
Industry: Hotels
What MADE Him Haute: In New York (The Mercer, The Standard, Sunset Beach, 40 Mercer Residences, One Kenmare Square, William Beaver House) and across the country, Balazs properties are a beacon for the haute bourgeoise. He just sold The Raleigh Hotel in Miami so that he can focus on building his Standard Hotel brand, and the new Meatpacking District location, which jumps the tracks of the High Line, constantly makes headlines thanks to guests who have a penchant for exhibitionism.
What Makes Him Haute Now: First of all, there’s Sunset Beach, a charming little boutique hotel on Shelter Island between the North and South Forks of Long Island. We highlight the hotel in our guide to the Hamptons, which appears in the June/July editions of Haute Living. The issues will be online later this week, so be sure to check back. Second of all, Balazs made headlines recently when he dumped rockstar Courtney Love after Love told reporters she had a “thing” with Kate Moss in the 1990s. Apparently, Balazs found some of her behavior embarrassing. In professional news, the haute hotelier has plans to open a rooftop bar on the 19th floor of the Standard Hotel in New York. The chic crowd that frequents his properties may be enjoying cocktails served out of an Airstream trailer as early as next week. We’ll meet you there.
